SMJ agenda boosts Sabah’s economy, attracts investors – Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU (Oct 5): Sabah’s development agenda, driven by the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap, is on the right track and has shown positive results in attracting investors, boosting the state’s economy and creating job opportunities for locals, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

Marking his fourth year in office, Hajiji said the Sabah government remains confident in implementing the roadmap by focusing on key sectors such as agriculture, industry, tourism and human capital development while enhancing the well-being of the people.

“With the support of the state Cabinet, all plans and policies can be executed in line with the SMJ roadmap, which lays the foundation for Sabah’s progress and development,” he said.

He made the remarks during his speech at the Investiture Ceremony held in conjunction with the 71st birthday of Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin at Istana Seri Kinabalu here on Saturday.

At the ceremony, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg headed the list of 47 recipients who were conferred state awards, honours and medals.

Meanwhile, Hajiji said Sabah contributed 5.5 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product in 2023, according to July statistics from the Department of Statistics Malaysia.

He also mentioned that Sabah received RM11.34 billion in investments, making it the seventh highest in Malaysia, with 13.3 per cent of these investments coming from the manufacturing sector last year.

In the tourism sector, the Chief Minister highlighted that Sabah recorded increased tourist arrivals, with 1.7 million from January to July this year, including over 1.05 million domestic tourists and 706,383 international visitors.

“This growth clearly indicates that Sabah’s tourism sector continues to thrive, and we are on track to achieve our target of three million tourists to the state this year,” he said.

Hajiji reaffirmed the Sabah government’s commitment to further advancing the state’s development and improving the well-being of its people through various sector initiatives.

He added that Sabah is exploring the potential of the Blue Economy, which focuses on harnessing marine resources as a new economic driver.

“Sabah is surrounded by the South China Sea, Sulu Sea and Celebes Sea, all of which offer high potential for exploring and developing the Blue Economy. To realise this effort, the state government will organise an international seminar on the Blue Economy this month,” he said.

Earlier, 77 contingents took part in a parade in conjunction with the Head of State’s official 71st birthday at Padang Merdeka.

Juhar and his consort Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni were greeted by Hajiji upon arrival.

Seventeen canon shots were fired as a mark of respect during the national and state anthem followed by inspection of the guard of honour by the Head of State.

Tun Juhar was later presented the VAT69 Honorary Wings from the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razaruddin Husain.

The highlight of the ceremony was the cutting of the Pulut Kuning birthday cake by Tun Juhar accompanied by the Chief Minister and other guests following a special performance by the Sabah Cultural Board.